5th grader reportedly was found hanging in school bathroom

Evanston police plan to discuss Tuesday the findings of an investigation into the death of a 10-year-old boy who reportedly was found hanging from a hook in a bathroom at his middle school.

The Cook County medical examiner's office had already declared the death of 5th grader Aquan Lewis as suicide by hanging. His mother has remained skeptical and hired an attorney.

The Police Department will discuss the investigation during a news conference with Evanston-Skokie Elementary School District 65.

"We've explored all avenues," Cmdr. Tom Guenther said Monday. "We've concluded the investigation."A separate investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is ongoing, said Kendall Marlowe, DCFS spokesman. The department has said it is investigating only "an allegation of neglect concerning the school."

On Feb. 3, the 5th grader hanged himself by his shirt collar in a bathroom of Oakton Elementary School, according to the medical examiner's office.

The boy had threatened to harm himself earlier in the day when scolded by a teacher, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

On Tuesday night, the District 65 school board will meet during a regular session for the first time since the child's death.

School officials have been advised against talking about the case and had not been given any information about the investigation as of Monday, board member Jerome Summers said.